News 11 May 2011

Moto Insider #18

We have the latest dirt on the world of motocross and supercross every Wednesday on MotoOnline.com.au.

American Supercross

  • Australia’s Chad Reed may have fallen four points short of a fairytale championship win in this year’s AMA Supercross series, but nevertheless he’s stoked on his season and we can certainly understand why. Reed’s victory in Vegas to finish the season was one of his best yet against an all-star field, making the most of additional support from Honda. In fact, Reed’s bike featured much more red on it than ever before at the finals, possibly a thank you of sorts to Honda. Congratulations to all of TwoTwo Motorsports for doing Australia proud as the underdogs.
  • After what has been the greatest AMA Supercross season in history, fingers crossed Reed’s managers can lock in some big dollar sponsors for next season so we can see the team continue to grow. Besides, it was Reed who enjoyed much of the limelight this year in what was a stunning performance that very little people expected.
  • Tye Simmonds enjoyed his best performance yet with a 10th overall in Las Vegas, a sure confidence booster heading into the AMA Pro Motocross Championship with JDR/J-Star/KTM. While his results haven’t been spectacular all year, his persistency and ability to learn in one of the hardest series ever has to be admired. He’s only just turned 19, so expect a huge step forward in his performance for 2012, where he’ll hopefully have a teammate under the JDR tent in the 450 Class.

The 2011 season was a memorable one for Chad Reed and his TwoTwo Motorsports team.

The 2011 season was a memorable one for Chad Reed and his TwoTwo Motorsports team.


American Motocross

  • The question must now be asked whether Reed will front up at the AMA Pro Motocross Championship or not? Well, he has previously said it depends on funding, however Racer X reported via Twitter during the Las Vegas weekend that Reedy will in fact be on track for the nationals. It would be great for the series and great for Aussies.
  • With Reed not the only big name team owner/rider in the U.S, it’s expected James Stewart will also make a decision shortly on whether he’ll contest the outdoors or not for San Manuel Yamaha. After finishing fourth in supercross it’d be a pretty hollow year for Stewart if he doesn’t front the gates, so for his sake it’d be good to see him show.
  • Great news for Australian fans is that SPEED may be showing this year’s AMA Pro Motocross Championship live, or at least broadcasting on the same day as the races take place according to sources. It’s a huge boost for the sport at home, giving us the best opportunity yet to follow the Aussies during the season. Watch this space!
  • We’ve been spoiled in supercross this year with a spectacular season, but remember that the likes of Brett Metcalfe, Christophe Pourcel, Josh Grant and Trey Canard will all add to the flavour eventually when the nationals start (the latter two when their injuries are healed). It’s also expected that the likes of Mike Alessi and Andrew Short could gain steam on their KTM 350s outdoors compared to supercross too.

Australian Motocross

  • South Australia hosted what was potentially the best round yet of the 2011 MX Natonals series at Murray Bridge last weekend. The crowd was impressive, racing action-packed and track absolutely superb in the series’ return to SA for the first time since 2009. One major difference was that the soil wasn’t as soft as expected entering the weekend, making for a hugely technical afternoon once the sun began to fall.
  • The break in between Raymond Terrace and Murray Bridge gave teams and riders a chance to make some modifications between rounds. Just a few notable changes included Justin McDonald joining Team 07 Axis Motorsports Honda and taking a podium in the Lites; Lewis Woods switching to a 450 from the KTM 350; Serco completing their race transporter awning; Cody Cooper returning to Suzuki from injury; plus Billy Mackenzie and Jake Moss also regaining fitness after recent injuries. That four-week break worked wonders for many.
  • One rider to crash hard in the final moto was Ryan Marmont, the JDR Motorex KTM rider being transported to hospital with pain in his shoulder and foot. I spoke to Doggy yesterday and he said he wasn’t certain if anything was broken as they’re still awaiting the Xrays from SA to arrive so he can have them scanned locally.
  • Television coverage for the MX Nationals is scheduled to commence tomorrow night on SPEED at 8.30pm before airing for 18 weeks straight and showcasing the top men of Australian motocross. Adam Bailey and Danny Ham are the commentators this season, so be sure to spread the word and kick back every Thursday evening.
  • Don’t forget, we have 12 copies (now 10 following Murray Bridge!) of MX vs. ATV to be won during this year’s MX Nationals Fantasy League right here on MotoOnline.com.au. It’s easy to win as long as you’re playing, so check out this link for additional information.
JDR Motorex KTM's Ryan Marmont was one of a few big name injuries at Murray Bridge.

JDR Motorex KTM's Ryan Marmont was one of a few big name injuries at Murray Bridge.

Australian Off-Road

  • Bel-Ray revealed this morning that it will be supporting the Cross Country Action/TM Racing Australia squad in this year’s Australian Off Road Championship and A4DE. Now, that’s nothing unusual, but the fact that the team will feature Josh Green from round two onwards is big news as he returns home from a number of seasons in Europe. He will be one to watch and a massive boost for the team.

That’s all for this week, thank you for stopping by!

Recent